Can I skip the introduction in Apostol's calculus?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether or not the four-part introduction of Apostol's calculus book can be skipped. The speaker briefly skims the introduction and notes that it reviews summation notation and drawing Riemann sums by hand, which they find tedious. They inquire about the importance of the content and express a desire to not subject themselves to drawing graphs by hand. The other person advises against skipping the introduction, as it covers important concepts such as set theory that are used in later chapters, and being able to sketch graphs is a useful skill for understanding integration.
  • #1
Antineutrino
6
0
I'll be starting Apostol's calculus book in a little less than two weeks, as I'm finishing up an easier textbook. I looked ahead and I see that there is a four part introduction, and I was wondering if I could just skip that. I briefly skimmed it, and it just looks like a review of summation notation, and drawing riemann sums by hand (sounds tedious).

If there is important content in the intro then I won't skip it, but if there isn't then I'd not like to subject myself to the torture that is drawing graphs by hand.
 
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  • #2
If you're easily able to sketch graphs of functions on paper, then maybe you can skip the intro sections. If not, then my advice would be to not skip them. Being able to sketch graphs is an important and useful skill that is helpful in visualizing integration concepts.
 
  • #3
The Introduction is mainly about set theory, which is used in later chapters, so - no.
 
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FAQ: Can I skip the introduction in Apostol's calculus?

Can I skip the introduction in Apostol's calculus if I already have a strong math background?

If you have a strong math background, you might find the introduction to be a review of concepts you already know. However, it's still recommended to skim through it to ensure there are no gaps in your understanding, as Apostol's approach may differ from other textbooks.

Is the introduction in Apostol's calculus important for understanding later chapters?

Yes, the introduction lays the foundation for many of the concepts and techniques that will be elaborated on in later chapters. Skipping it might cause you to miss out on important context and the unique approach Apostol uses.

What topics are covered in the introduction of Apostol's calculus?

The introduction typically covers fundamental concepts such as sets, functions, real numbers, and basic properties of numbers. These are crucial for understanding the more advanced topics presented later in the book.

Will skipping the introduction affect my ability to solve problems in Apostol's calculus?

Skipping the introduction could potentially affect your problem-solving abilities, as you might miss out on essential definitions and the logical framework that Apostol builds upon. It's advisable to at least review the introduction to ensure you have a solid grasp of the basics.

How long does it take to go through the introduction in Apostol's calculus?

The time it takes to go through the introduction depends on your familiarity with the material. For someone with a solid math background, it might take a few hours to a couple of days to thoroughly review the concepts. For beginners, it could take longer to fully understand the material.

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